Women's Basketball Signs Kaia Lauro Through "Friends of Jaclyn"
PURCHASE, N.Y. – The Manhattanville College women's basketball team is counting down the days for the 2019-20 season, which starts in October. Coming off a successful 2018-19 campaign, head coach Kate Vlahakis felt something was missing from the team this fall. Vlahakis decided to add another name to her roster on Wednesday, Sept. 18. The Valiants signed an official agreement with four-year-old Kaia Lauro to join the team this season and many more to come.
Lauro came to the Valiants from the "Friends of Jaclyn Foundation," a Westchester County-based non-profit organization. Friends of Jaclyn is an organization that pairs children battling pediatric brain tumors and other childhood cancers with college and high school sports teams to progress the children's quality of life and raise awareness in pediatric diseases. Lauro was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma on January 22 after fighting a number of ailments over the last several months. Neuroblastoma is a relatively rare childhood cancer with only 800 new cases per year.
A native of Greenwhich, Conn., Lauro visited Kennedy Gymnasium on Wednesday, where she awaited a signing ceremony to join the Valiants. The women's basketball team, along with other athletes and staff members, greeted her as she entered the gym and embraced her special day. Prior to signing, Lauro was gifted a team jersey where she will wear the No. 4 and was given an official women's basketball team bracelet to truly induct her onto the team. She was also given a backpack filled with additional Valiant apparel that she can wear when she attends practices and games.
After Lauro and Vlahakis went over the official paperwork, Lauro and team played some games, took part in some celebrations and she then lead the team breakdown chant. Vlahakis is excited to have Lauro's positivity and strength shine on the team during the upcoming season hopes to have Lauro at as many practices and games as possible.
The Valiants admire Lauro's strength and bravery and are also honored to have her as a new addition to the team. Lauro and her family plan to cheer on the Valiants at their home opener on Nov. 15, where Lauro's journey began with the team, in Kennedy Gymnasium.
Lauro came to the Valiants from the "Friends of Jaclyn Foundation," a Westchester County-based non-profit organization. Friends of Jaclyn is an organization that pairs children battling pediatric brain tumors and other childhood cancers with college and high school sports teams to progress the children's quality of life and raise awareness in pediatric diseases. Lauro was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma on January 22 after fighting a number of ailments over the last several months. Neuroblastoma is a relatively rare childhood cancer with only 800 new cases per year.
A native of Greenwhich, Conn., Lauro visited Kennedy Gymnasium on Wednesday, where she awaited a signing ceremony to join the Valiants. The women's basketball team, along with other athletes and staff members, greeted her as she entered the gym and embraced her special day. Prior to signing, Lauro was gifted a team jersey where she will wear the No. 4 and was given an official women's basketball team bracelet to truly induct her onto the team. She was also given a backpack filled with additional Valiant apparel that she can wear when she attends practices and games.
After Lauro and Vlahakis went over the official paperwork, Lauro and team played some games, took part in some celebrations and she then lead the team breakdown chant. Vlahakis is excited to have Lauro's positivity and strength shine on the team during the upcoming season hopes to have Lauro at as many practices and games as possible.
The Valiants admire Lauro's strength and bravery and are also honored to have her as a new addition to the team. Lauro and her family plan to cheer on the Valiants at their home opener on Nov. 15, where Lauro's journey began with the team, in Kennedy Gymnasium.
